The chic Mexican hideaway of Las Alamandas is teaming up with a rising star of the hot culinary scene in California, lavishing guests with a week of original and exciting epicurean experiences.
John Paul Carmona, the former Chef de Cuisine at acclaimed Manresa in Los Gatos, California, will be preparing original dishes at Las Alamandas’ Oasis restaurant each night for dinner April 14 – 19, 2014.
“Our guests are going to be overwhelmed by the creativity and culinary savvy of Chef Carmona, enjoyed al fresco under a heaven of stars on warm tropical nights at our Oasis restaurant,” said Isabel Goldsmith Patiño, founder and CEO of Las Alamandas. “While Chef Carmona brings a unique personal culinary approach, we share the culinary fundamentals of emphasizing organic-garden-to-kitchen ingredients and innovative yet simple preparation.”
Chef Carmona grew up in El Salvador savoring the superb cooking of his grandmother, and helping her in the kitchen whenever he could. His father accelerated his growing passion for cooking by supplying fresh ingredients from the family farm, instilling in him a deep commitment to a garden-to-kitchen cooking style. That style is based on simplicity that produces flavors and creates complexity with only a few ingredients. “Things should look and feel natural,” he explains.
After studying Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, Chef Carmona worked at acclaimed restaurants including Clio in Boston, Alinea in Chicago, and Two-Michelin-Star Mugaritz in San Sebastian, Spain. Moving to the Bay Area, he joined the staff at Manresa, serving as Chef de Cuisine and Pastry Chef while helping the acclaimed restaurant maintain its Two Michelin Stars. In 2010, he was recognized as a “Rising Star Chef” by Star Chefs and the San Francisco Chronicle, and in 2012 by Zagat’s “30 under 30.”
Las Alamandas is an all-suite, boutique resort in an unspoiled tropical haven located midway between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo along Mexico’s Costalegre. The resort is ideal for couples and families alike, who are seeking a vacation of togetherness and privacy in a natural paradise. The 16 extraordinarily spacious and beautifully appointed suites are located within seven villas with vibrant contemporary Mexican chic décor. The suites are designed for casual indoor-outdoor living with spacious terraces and patios, panoramic views, and most with a private Jacuzzi. Dine on the terrace of your suite, al fresco at the Oasis Restaurant or by the ocean at La Palapa Beach Club. The sophisticated, delicious and healthy cuisine is prepared with seafood freshly caught by local fisherman, meats, chicken and free-range eggs raised by local farmers, and produce from the resort’s organic gardens and orchards.
In a magnificent natural environment of private beaches and flowering gardens, there are activities for everyone: from tennis, beach volleyball and a 60-foot swimming pool, to bird watching, hiking, horseback riding and kayaking. Relax with a massage in the serene private Palapa to the soothing sound of the Pacific. A Kids Club offers a full range of facilities and activities for the little ones.
For more information please visit www.alamandas.com
